Building the Giant Shampoo Bottle Prop: Crafting a Bold Brand Statement for Malibu C at the Olympic Swim Trials

Creating an oversized product replica for a brand isn’t just about scaling up an everyday item;  it’s about crafting an attention-grabbing, functional, and visually engaging display that transforms the familiar into something extraordinary.  That’s exactly what happened when we embarked on the project of designing a giant shampoo bottle prop for Malibu C, a brand known for its professional hair and skincare products.  This unique piece wasn’t just a fun, larger-than-life version of their product—it was also a functional display shelf, doubling as a marketing tool for Malibu C at special events.

The prop made its debut at the Toyota Aqua Zone during the Olympic Swim Trials in Indianapolis for the 2024 Olympics, providing the perfect backdrop for Malibu C’s booth.  The venue was ideal, with thousands of swim fans and athletes passing by, making the shampoo bottle prop a creative way to engage with the brand.  Malibu C, known for its swimmer-specific hair care products, took center stage with a giant product replica that was impossible to miss.

In this blog, we’ll take you through the creative and technical process behind building the giant shampoo bottle prop, from the initial concept sketches to the final unveiling.  Along the way, we’ll explore how we incorporated metal letters into the design to give it an extra layer of sophistication, as well as the practical considerations of making a large prop functional as a product shelf.

The Concept: Making a Bold Brand Statement with a Giant Shampoo Bottle

The idea for the giant shampoo bottle prop was born out of a need to create something that would stand out in a crowded event space.  For Malibu C, the Olympic Swim Trials presented a huge opportunity to showcase their swimmer-friendly hair care products to a highly targeted audience.  The challenge was figuring out how to capture attention in a sea of booths and activities while also highlighting the unique benefits of their product line.

A product replica was the perfect solution.  By creating an oversized version of their shampoo bottle, Malibu C could bring their brand to life in a way that was both eye-catching and interactive.  The giant bottle would serve as a visual anchor for their booth, drawing people in with its scale and playful design, while also functioning as a product display shelf where visitors could engage with the products firsthand.

From a branding perspective, the shampoo bottle prop needed to communicate Malibu C’s identity—clean, professional, and tailored to the needs of swimmers.  It wasn’t just about making a big version of their product;  it was about making a statement that reflected the brand’s values and connection to the aquatic world.  The bottle had to look sleek, modern, and instantly recognizable, while also being practical enough to serve as a display piece for the products Malibu C wanted to highlight.

Designing the Giant Shampoo Bottle: From Sketch to Digital Render

Once the concept was established, the design process kicked into gear.  Our team began by sketching out several different versions of the bottle, experimenting with scale, proportions, and features.  We wanted the bottle to be large enough to grab attention but not so enormous that it would overwhelm the space or be difficult to transport.

After multiple iterations, we settled on a design that was approximately six feet tall, making it roughly three times the size of an actual shampoo bottle.  This scale was perfect for the event, as it was big enough to be a focal point but still manageable for setup and transportation.  The design included all the key features of Malibu C’s signature packaging:  the sleek, cylindrical shape, the brand’s distinct logo, and the clean lines that give their products a professional, minimalist look.

We then moved into the digital phase, creating a detailed 3D model of the shampoo bottle.  This allowed us to experiment with textures, finishes, and colors to ensure that the final prop would match the exact look of Malibu C’s product packaging.  The bottle was designed to have a glossy finish, reminiscent of the actual product, with precise color matching to ensure brand consistency.

One of the key elements of the design was the built-in shelving that would allow the giant bottle to serve as a functional display.  The shelves were seamlessly integrated into the back of the bottle, hidden from view when looking at it head-on but easily accessible to visitors at the booth.  These shelves were designed to hold multiple bottles of Malibu C’s products, giving event-goers a chance to see the products up close and learn more about the brand.

Materials and Construction: Bringing the Shampoo Bottle to Life

Building the giant shampoo bottle prop required a careful balance of materials that would provide both durability and aesthetic appeal.  Since the prop was going to be displayed at multiple events, including outdoor settings, it needed to be strong enough to withstand transportation and handling while maintaining its pristine appearance.

We opted for a combination of lightweight materials that would make the prop easy to move and set up, while still being sturdy enough to hold product samples on the built-in shelves.  The main structure of the bottle was crafted from high-density foam, which was then coated in fiberglass for added strength and durability.  This allowed us to create the smooth, seamless curves of the bottle while ensuring that the prop could handle the wear and tear of multiple events.

The surface of the bottle was finished with automotive-grade paint, giving it the glossy, high-end look that mimicked the real Malibu C shampoo bottles.  This finish was not only visually appealing but also practical, as it was resistant to scratches and damage during transport.

The built-in shelves were constructed from lightweight yet sturdy acrylic, carefully integrated into the back of the bottle.  These shelves were designed to hold multiple bottles of Malibu C’s products without compromising the structural integrity of the prop.  The positioning of the shelves ensured that they wouldn’t interfere with the overall aesthetic of the bottle, keeping the front view clean and sleek while still providing functionality.

Metal Letters: Adding a Sophisticated Branding Element

One of the standout features of the giant shampoo bottle prop was the inclusion of custom metal letters, which added a touch of sophistication to the overall design.  The metal letters spelled out “Malibu C” and were placed prominently on the front of the bottle, serving as both a branding tool and a design element that elevated the look of the prop.

Creating the metal letters required precision and attention to detail.  We began by using CNC machining, a process that allowed us to cut the letters with exact accuracy from stainless steel.  Stainless steel was the perfect material for this application because of its sleek, polished appearance and its resistance to corrosion—an important consideration for a prop that would be used at outdoor events.

After the letters were cut, they underwent a series of finishing processes, including sanding and polishing, to give them a smooth, reflective surface.  This mirror-like finish complemented the glossy paint on the bottle, creating a cohesive look that felt both modern and professional.

The letters were then carefully mounted onto the surface of the bottle using hidden fasteners.  This ensured that the letters were securely attached without any visible screws or adhesive, maintaining the clean, seamless look of the prop.  The metal letters added a high-end touch to the display, reinforcing the premium nature of Malibu C’s products and making the giant bottle prop a true showpiece at the event.

Debuting at the Toyota Aqua Zone: A Showstopper at the Olympic Swim Trials

The giant shampoo bottle prop made its official debut at the Toyota Aqua Zone during the Olympic Swim Trials in Indianapolis, an event that draws tens of thousands of spectators, athletes, and media from around the world.  The Aqua Zone is an interactive fan experience area where brands have the opportunity to engage with visitors, and the Malibu C booth, featuring the giant shampoo bottle, quickly became a standout attraction.

The prop immediately caught the attention of attendees, drawing people into the booth to take photos, ask questions, and learn more about the brand.  Its larger-than-life size made it impossible to miss, and the interactive element of the built-in product shelves encouraged visitors to pick up and explore Malibu C’s swimmer-specific hair care products.

The prop’s debut at such a high-profile event was a perfect match for Malibu C.  Their products are designed to address the unique needs of swimmers, helping to remove chlorine, salt, and other impurities from the hair.  The Olympic Swim Trials provided a highly targeted audience of swimmers, coaches, and fans, making the giant shampoo bottle prop an ideal way to showcase the brand’s commitment to the sport and its athletes.

The interactive nature of the prop, combined with its bold design and sophisticated metal lettering, helped to create a memorable brand experience.  Attendees didn’t just see the product—they engaged with it, making the giant shampoo bottle an effective marketing tool that left a lasting impression.

A Multifunctional Display: Beyond the Olympic Swim Trials

While the Olympic Swim Trials marked the debut of the giant shampoo bottle prop, it was designed to be a multifunctional display that could be used at a variety of events.  After its successful run at the Aqua Zone, Malibu C has plans to use the prop at trade shows, product launches, and other special events where they want to make a big impact.

The prop’s built-in shelving makes it perfect for product displays, allowing Malibu C to showcase their products in a unique and engaging way.  Whether it’s used at outdoor events or in more traditional trade show settings, the giant shampoo bottle prop is versatile enough to adapt to different environments while maintaining its visual appeal.

Its durability and high-quality materials ensure that it will continue to look just as stunning at future events, making it a long-term investment in the brand’s marketing strategy.  The inclusion of the custom metal letters adds a timeless, professional touch that will keep the prop looking modern and relevant for years to come.

Conclusion: Crafting a Bold and Functional Brand Experience

The giant shampoo bottle prop for Malibu C is a perfect example of how a creative, well-executed display can elevate a brand’s presence at an event.  By combining bold design, interactive functionality, and high-quality craftsmanship, we were able to create a prop that not only turned heads but also served as an effective marketing tool.

From the initial concept to the final product, every element of the prop was designed with both aesthetics and practicality in mind.  The sleek, glossy finish, the custom metal letters, and the built-in product shelves all worked together to create a cohesive and impactful display that aligned with Malibu C’s brand values and goals.

At the Olympic Swim Trials and beyond, the giant shampoo bottle prop has proven to be a fun and creative way to showcase the brand, engage with audiences, and leave a lasting impression.  Whether it’s catching the eye of a passing attendee or serving as a backdrop for product sampling, the giant shampoo bottle is more than just a prop—it’s a bold statement of what Malibu C stands for.

Checkout WhiteClouds’ 3D Props to learn more information.

Contact us today to learn more about our 3D services and how we can help you achieve your goals.